Ellicott City businesswoman to run for delegate in District 9B

Ellicott City business owner and Republican Carol Loveless has filed to run for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates representing the newly drawn District 9B in 2014.

Loveless, 54, said she has been a resident of Ellicott City for over 30 years and currently owns Quality Security Solutions, a company that provides security guards.

"As a business owner, as a mother and as a taxpayer, it got to the point where posting on Facebook, griping and going to rallies in Annapolis wasn't enough," said Loveless on her decision to seek office.

Loveless will run in District 9B, which encompasses Ellicott City and portions of Elkridge and Columbia. Previously, the area was part of District 9A, which also encompassed western Howard County. The new 9A will include western Howard County and southern Carroll County, which had been in 9B.

District 9B will hold only one House seat, while District 9A will continue to hold two seats.

Loveless said, if elected, she would bring a different perspective to the House than those brought by career politicians.

"We need people that are going to represent the best interest of the taxpayer," Loveless said. "The result of following the company line is devastating."

Loveless said she hopes to bring more conservative spending to Annapolis, specifically addressing what she perceives as unintended consequences on businesses stemming from the passage of the gas tax and the stormwater fee.

"Companies aren't going to come here, and companies are not going to stay here. The result is going to job loss," Loveless said. "There aren't enough business people who run for office and I hope to bring my experience to the table."

Del. Warren Miller, a Republican representing 9A, said Loveless' business knowledge would be a rare asset in Annapolis.

"As a small business owner she has an understanding of how to run a business in Howard County and how the delegation can affect local businesses," said Miller, a resident of Woodbine.

Tonya Tiffany, Vice President Howard County Republican Club, also praised Loveless for her "common sense business approach," and added that Loveless would be a nice change of pace from career politicians.

"There are both Republicans and Democrats that say one thing and will do the exact opposite," Tiffany said. "I know that for Carol integrity and honor are important. If she gives her word she will do absolutely everything she can to follow through on it."

Loveless is the only candidate to file for the District 9B, although Columbia Association board member and Democrat Tom Coale announced Tuesday plans to run for the seat.